I can offer advice for questing #3.
If you are taking advantage of ME - that (IMO) takes longer than what they say. Maybe it was because I was so excited - it seemed that bus ride would NEVER end. It was a good 30 minutes between getting off of the plane and getting on the bus (and we didn't mess around). Then we SAT on the bus forever - then the bus ride - then standing in line in the lobby to check in (we stayed at POR).
I think official check in is at 2:00? You're not going to be that far off. By the way - whatever you choose to do - don't plan on your bags being right behind you....It was 5:00 before ours came - be prepared to go a few hours w/o them.
BUT - here are a couple of suggestions for your time when you first arrive.
Most people recommend packing a carry-on w/ swimsuits etc and go to the pool while you wait.
Others suggest bussing to DTD and shopping.
We like to have a "kickoff" to our vacation.....a dinner at MGM and Fantasmic is a good suggestion.
OR if you don't want to waste a day of park tickets -- Chef Mickey's is a thought.
OR dinner at O'Hana - then walk down to the beach for the electric water parade and Wishes from beach.
Hope these thoughts help your vacation to be a little more magical!
IMO = "in my opinion"
